EM SHEA

Em Shea, M.S., LPC-C (she/they)

Psychotherapist

Therapy with Em focuses on building relationships and fostering connections, working towards self-acceptance, and integrating previous experiences into the current self. Em believes therapy is a collaborative relationship, meaning the therapeutic space looks different for each individual. Em allows the client to guide the pace as trust and comfort is built, as part of creating a trauma-informed space.

Em predominately utilizes a relational approach, meaning they believe growth comes from empathy and authenticity. In order to best serve clients in their personal therapeutic journey, Em incorporates elements of treatment modalities such as narrative therapy, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT). 

Em prioritizes centering each client’s needs and intersectional identities. Em identifies as queer and non-binary, which directly informs their non-judgmental, feminist, and trauma-informed practice. As a white person, Em understands her position of privilege in all spaces, but they seek to attend to that privilege in the therapeutic space by actively practicing anti-racism and cultural awareness and humility.

Em has worked with clients from a wide variety of cultural and racial backgrounds. They have also worked extensively with queer folks, mothers, and teens. She is open to working with all clients, but women, children, and non-binary folks might feel the most comfortable in their care. Em considers it an honor to be a therapist and walk alongside clients in their healing processes.

Education

M.S., Clinical Counseling, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Sciences
B.A., Clinical/Community Psychology, Political Science, LGBTQ+ Studies (minor), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Licensure

Licensed Professional Counselor - Candidate